UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Teaching Institution: Final Awards: Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study: Internet of Things Staffordshire University Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences BSc/BSc (Hons) Available as sandwich or non-sandwich award Cert HE Internet of Things, Dip HE Internet of Things Full Time UCAS Codes: QAA Subject Benchmarks: Computing JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: BCS The Chartered Institute for IT Date of Production: July 2013 Date of Revision: If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us.
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME To produce Internet of Things graduates who have proficiency in several programming languages, embedded/real time operating systems, wide range of processors/sensors, security techniques and system design methods and techniques that are appropriate to the discipline, and who can apply their skills in all areas of the computing industry To improve your study skills so that you achieve the highest grades at the university and will have the skills to continue with lifelong learning and if desired onto a higher degree qualification To provide you with the academic knowledge and confidence to understand how devices/sensors communicate within a network infrastructure both locally and globally To give you the knowledge and the confidence to be able to practically operate, configure, analyse and optimise commercial grade sensor network equipment To enable you by means of a study trip to China, to gain relevant direct experience of broader international developments in the area of the Internet of Things and an enriched experience of cross-cultural working and other cultures When appropriate, to enable you, by means of a one-year period of supervised work in an industrial, commercial or public service setting, to gain relevant experience in the Internet of Things or embedded systems profession To facilitate and support your achievement of relevant industry certifications of internationally recognised industry qualifications embedded within the syllabus To give you an understanding of the needs of business in terms of the exploitation of Internet of Things technologies for commercial benefit To develop your skills and confidence in presenting information in a variety of forms to differing audiences To support and assess your achievement of the Staffordshire Graduate attributes To provide an enriching experience for you which supports and facilitates your personal, academic and professional development throughout your period of study with us, laying a foundation for continuing development throughout your life 2 P age
What is distinctive about this programme? The award is distinctive in a number of ways: 1) It is one of the first undergraduate awards in the UK to address this subject area. It is an innovative award. 2) The Internet of Things is a major area of development in China and is being pushed by the Chinese Government as an important strategic element in their plans for economic growth. China, together with Europe, constitute the 2 main global centres for the development of the Internet of Things technology. As a result, the award will include a study trip to China at the end of level 5, to find out more about what is happening in China at first hand. It is envisaged that the study trip to China will involve two weeks in China, with one week at a Chinese University looking at Chinese developments in the Internet of Things and working in collaboration with Chinese students who are also studying the Internet of Things at the Chinese University, and one week at one or more Hewlett-Packard Centres in China with a focus on Internet of Things relevant developments. 3) This award has been developed by the University in partnership with Hewlett- Packard. HP is one of the world s largest IT companies with operations in more than 170 countries and HP has research expertise in the Internet of Things. HP will support the award in a number of different ways that will include student mentoringby HP staff[br1], guest speaker sessions and also, as we have seen, actively supporting the study trip to China. 4) The syllabus for the HP Accredited Technical Associate (ATA) certification is embedded into the programme. This helps you build skills across a range of related technologies to give you confidence and ability to develop end to end IT solutions for a business problem. It helps build your understanding of technology as a business tool. 5) We have a number of links with companies who are working in the area of the internet of things and as part of this award, you will have an opportunity to become involved with the development of projects with these companies. 6) All of our students are encouraged at the end of level 5 to undertake a one year paid placement in industry. Again this allows you to take the knowledge you have gained in your time at Staffordshire University and utilize this in a real world work environment. It is a good opportunity for you to consolidate and further develop your knowledge and skills and also potentially enhances your employability. We have a dedicated team to help you find a placement. 7) This award is in area that has been identified as an important area of future development for the UK and European economy. It integrates and exploits a number of newer technologies to provide functionality and opportunity for inter-working of objects and systems that involve embedded microprocessors and sensors, previously unobtainable. The Internet of Things will be an important growth area for employer needs and may be the most important area of computing to develop since the original development of the internet itself. The Staffordshire Graduate 3 P age
The attributes that are associated with the concept of the Stafford Graduate represent a set of qualities that the University passionately believes are necessary for success in the 21 st century. As a Staffordshire Graduate, you will be a critical and reflective learner with a global perspective and prepared to contribute in the world of work. Our drive within this award has always been to produce graduates who are confident, knowledgeable and practically orientated in the field to compete within a global sphere. As a Staffordshire Graduate, you will be well equipped to join industry and to further your knowledge through the use of lifelong learning or to continue your studies within academia as a Post Graduate student. We have endeavoured to ensure that the modules you will study will prepare you well for whichever route you choose to take at the end of the award. The academic knowledge which your will acquire during your award will be at the leading edge of field of Internet of Things which will enable you to confidently work within a large range of situations. You will gain confidence in a variety of communication skills such that you will be able to present a wide range of information succinctly in a manner suitable for the audience. Whilst the Internet of Things award is available with or without a placement opportunity, the University recognises and strongly recommends that every student choose the sandwich version as we have found that students that undertake a placement will enhance the attributes of a Staffordshire Graduate and help when you decide to either seek employment or continue your studies. 4 P age
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES At the end of your studies you should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding Demonstrate a systematic understanding of Internet of Things concepts and principles, showing the acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of internet of things research and development, in particular: techniques for the design and implementation of complex hardware and software systems, including real-time systems. Learning Develop lines of argument and evaluate possible approaches, tools, techniques, platforms and solutions based on knowledge of underlying computing concepts and principles, while understanding the uncertainty, ambiguity and limitations of this knowledge. Enquiry Initiate and carry out projects within the Internet of Things Ethically research and gather information pertaining to computing problems, possible solutions, and the success of these solutions, from a range of sources and individuals and organisations. Find, critically evaluate, manage, apply, and understand information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information. Analysis Critically discuss current research in the field of internet of things, and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) to draw conclusions. Problem Solving Develop appropriate questions and strategies to achieve a safe, reliable, effective and user-friendly solution (or identify a range of solutions) to an Internet of Thingsbased problem. Plan and carry out a large and complex computing project which may involve computing hardware, system software, communication and interfaces. Communication Communicate ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of forms including written and oral presentation. Write a structured formal report using appropriate referencing, and appropriate techniques from within the discipline of computing, for the documentation of software/hardware artefacts. Application Apply computing concepts, principles and techniques, including those at the forefront of internet of things knowledge, in the process of creating complex hardware and software systems. Reflection Work in a professional manner, recognising the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology, being guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices. 5 P age
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS Internet of Things L E V E L 4 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 CESCOM10246-4 The Internet of Things Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success)* (30 CESCOM10070-4 Data storage and Software Development (30 CESCOM10075-4 Hardware & Computer Systems (30 (To progress to at least 90 credits at Level 4 must be passed) *This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES. CESENG20086-4 Maths for Computing (15 CESCOM10247-4 Introduction to Developing End-to- End IT Business Solutions (HP ATA) (15 L E V E L 5 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 CESCOM10248-5 Internet of Things and Embedded Systems Technologies (30 CESCOM10100-5 Advanced Programming Languages for Computer Systems (30 CESCOM10214-5 Systems Programming with C++ (30 CESCOM10249-5 Professional and Business Issues for the Internet of Things (Professionalism, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship) * (30 (To progress to at least 210 credits of must be passed including a minimum of 90 credits at ) *This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES. If you are registered for a sandwich degree you must do an industrial placement between levels 5 and 6. L E V E L 6 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 CESCOM10250-6 Internet of Things : Smart Sensor Network (30 CESCOM10164-6 Interface and Distributed Computing Techniques (30 CESCOM10251-6 Embedded Software (15 CESCOM10157-6 Final Year Project* (45 *This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES. 6 P age
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning This award will be taught through a combination of tutor led learning and student centred learning. We will make sure that all students will have the opportunity to work on their own and in groups on practical exercises. This will help the student to build confidence in their own skills and learn essential skills in technical communications. To enhance these practical skills electronic material will be made available in addition to the normal lecture material which the student will be encouraged to look at. This allows further enhancement to the knowledge base which can be fed into practical work. Within the networking modules there are a number of electronic assessments which can be taken by the student to ensure that they do understand an area completely or if not request help on that issue. The study trip to China is a key element of the learning experience at level 5. It will expose you to a different culture and its business and technological practices. You will work alongside students from a Chinese University in a collaborative project. Through organised visits/tours and lectures/talks you will gain valuable first hand knowledge of developments in China in the internet of things. Virtual Learning Environment At Staffordshire University we will ensure that there is an electronic presence on our Blackboard server for all of the modules which you study with us. This gives you a central resource in which all of your required information will be stored and accessible via an Internet connection. The details of each of the modules will be specified here with all of the learning material and any assessments. Additionally on these awards we will provide you with access to the Cisco Network Academy site which will provide additional information regarding the computer networking material. It is essential the student feels confident enough in their own knowledge and skills to leave the university and then work in the industry or continue onto further study. Assessment A variety of different modes of assessment are employed within the Scheme. The nature of the subject area for this award is predominantly practical. Assessment throughout the programme can therefore be expected to ensure a suitable balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A theoretical base for the award is needed to understand the practical aspects of the work. An assessment strategy will be chosen for each module which is appropriate for testing the achievement of the learning outcomes. To pass a module you are required to gain at least 20% in each component of assessment. Overall you must get a mark of 40% to successfully complete the module. A mix of formative and summative assessment is used throughout the programme. Typically formative assessment takes place during tutorial time with feedback on how the work is going and allows for a discussion on performance. We will also provide access to HP Accredited Technical Associate (ATA) certifications remote labs and the Cisco Network academy program where for some of the modules you study with us a number of formative assessments are provided to allow you to test your understanding. 7 P age
We have a number of different summative assessments which will take place in different forms. Class tests (up to 1 hour) Examinations (up to 3 hours) Practical assignment work (individual or group-based) Portfolio of work Report (individual or group-based) Presentations (individual or group-based) You will normally receive feedback on any assessment within 20 days of submission which again can be used to enhance your learning on a module. If you do not understand the feedback we want this mechanism to be useful to you please do talk to your module tutor who will be able to assist. Do not simply accept you did not get the result expected in a particular area as a lot of modules will build upon each other and as such you need to know what the issues were and how to improve on this for future assessments. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements (including IELTS score) What qualifications would I need to join this programme? The entry requirements for the award are normally: Individually assessed on qualifications, skills and experience. However, a typical three A level or BTEC National Diploma offer will be 280 UCAS tariff points Applicants should have passed GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or above. Overseas applicants will also be asked to provide evidence that they are competent to study at this level in terms of English language usage if English is not their first language. At least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is required. Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp 8 P age
AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION Study trip to China The study trip to China is embedded in the award as an element of a core module at level 5. The study trip to China involves a two week stay in China at the end of level 5 of the award, one week at a Chinese University looking at Chinese developments in the Internet of Things and working in collaboration with Chinese students who are also studying the Internet of Things at the Chinese University and one week at one or more Hewlett-Packard Centres in China with a focus on Internet of Things relevant developments. The University will meet the cost of the following out of fee income: 1) The cost of air travel between the UK and China, 2) The cost of any internal travel within China between the Chinese University and HP Centres. 3) Travel between home and airport in the UK and between airport and the Chinese University/HP Centres. 4) The cost of accommodation while in China. 5) The cost of travel between local Chinese accommodation and the Chinese University or HP Centre. However, you will be responsible for meeting any costs associated with living expenses, etc. while you are on the Study Trip to China. The cost of living in China is considerably lower than in the UK (prices vary but are usually less than 50% of the equivalent cost in the UK). You will also be responsible for any costs associated with obtaining a visa (approximately 90) and passport if you do not already have one (UK passport cost approximately 80 depending on how you apply). The following award specific regulations apply: Industrial placement The industrial placement normally requires the completion of 48 weeks in relevant supervised work experience taken between level 5 and level 6. However, exceptionally for placements in School environments (where the nature of the employment precludes the completion of 48 weeks), the completion of 36 weeks is acceptable. Normally if you are enrolled on a sandwich award, you must pass the sandwich year to progress to level 6. However, in exceptional circumstances the completion of the industrial placement may be deferred until after the completion of level 6. Where this occurs you will still be required to pass an industrial placement before you can be awarded a sandwich degree. If you fail the industrial placement period, you will only be allowed one further attempt. The referral attempt must normally occur within 18 months. Failure at the referral attempt will mean that you cannot further progress on a sandwich award. You would have to transfer onto an appropriate non-sandwich full-time award in order to continue. The placement period is not compensatable. 9 P age
To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree with a sandwich, you must pass the industrial placement period. Transfer between a sandwich award and a non-sandwich award You may opt to transfer from a non-sandwich award to an appropriate sandwich award at any time. You may transfer from a sandwich version of your award to a non-sandwich version, at any time up until the end of week 2 of the first teaching block of level 5. However, after week 2 of the first teaching block of level 5, the transfer is only permitted if one or more of the following criteria are met, 1) you are unable, for valid reasons e.g. extenuating circumstances, to undertake or complete an industrial placement; 2) having attempted the industrial placement, you have failed it; 3) you have BOTH been unable to secure a placement 12 months after the start of level 5, AND have a portfolio of evidence that shows that you have made a bona fide attempt to obtain a placement. The decision as to whether the portfolio of evidence shows that you have made a bona fide attempt is at the discretion of the Academic Placements tutor. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations. ==================================== 10 P age
THE STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21 st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. The table below indicates where, within your award, these characteristics are addressed: Within the table, a number of attributes will be assessed as part of the student s placement (if they choose the sandwich route). There placement assessment is carried out jointly by the employer and visiting academic. AWARD TITLE: BSc Internet of Things Characteristic Work-ready and employable Award Module(s) including level and Method of Assessment number of credits The subject discipline of this award focuses on the development of knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to employment within the computing industry. Thus most subject specific modules across the award contribute to the development of subject discipline specific knowledge and skills that support employability. The modules identified below are those modules that focus on the development of generic and transferable knowledge and skills that prepare you for employment and a future career. Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 The student will be required to produce both a useful artefact as well as a supporting document. The module will also consider the importance of time management This module will include the production of CVs, both team and individual working, management of teams, self management, interview concepts and techniques. 11 P age
Project (45 As part of the Internet of Things Project the students will demonstrate their ability to work on a large and complex piece of work where they will have to balance a wide set of priorities in order to be successful. Understanding of enterprise and entrepreneurship Within this award, the students will experience a wide range of technologies and issues that are associated with enterprise and entrepreneurship as most of the aspects of computing have been generated by entrepreneurship driving the development of enterprise systems and organisations. Thus students opting to follow the sandwich version of the award will also have the benefit of seeking a placement opportunity within a company / organisation that utilises such systems and attitudes. Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 Introduction to Developing End-to-End IT Business Solutions (HP ATA) (15 Project (45 Within these modules the students will be introduced to the concepts and terminology associated with this attribute. The students will also be introduced to relevant examples from industry that they will utilise within the module s assessment. The students will consider a range of strategies that are relevant to this attribute and will reflect upon them as part of the modules assessment. The students will be required to reflect upon the range of aspects within their project and consider how each may be utilised to assist with entrepreneurial development etc. 12 P age
Understanding of global issues and their place in the global economy As the very nature of computing now encompasses the whole globe, the students will naturally encounter many issues that have global impact. Also, those students that opt to follow the sandwich version of the award will have the opportunity to seek a placement within a company / organisation that works within a global environment and needs to consider the global economy and issues that are relevant. Level 4 Introduction to Developing End-to-End IT Business Solutions (HP ATA) (15 Within the first module the students will be introduced to the concept of computer systems and how it may be necessary to include global issues when utilising the features that it offers. The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 Interface and Distributed Computing Techniques (30 Within this module, the students will be introduced to the concepts of interface design and how global issues can affect its development. Within this module the students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of these concepts by the production of a report based upon research into appropriate and inappropriate attempts to address globalisation issues (ideally from outside of computing as this will encourage students to look beyond their chosen field). The students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of this concept by drawing upon the examples considered at Levels 4 & 5 and to develop a globalisation strategy that is relevant to 13 P age
Communication skills HCI issues associated with Real Time and Safety Critical system applications. Those students that opt to follow the sandwich version of this award will gain valuable experience of the importance of good communication skills within the workplace whilst they are employed during their placement year. Level 4 The students will be introduced to (and The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, required to demonstrate) basic academic Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career report as well as 1:1 and small team and Personal Success) (30 presentation skills. This module includes aspects of effective communication and academic writing Project (45 Presentation skills Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career The students will be required to demonstrate detailed report writing skills and correct / appropriate use of appendices within both individual and team based assessments. They will also be assessed in their ability to verbalise topics covered within the module to a small audience and to respond adequately to questions that follow the presentation. The student will be assessed on their ability to produce a large and complex report as relevant documentation for their chosen project. They will also be assessed on their ability to verbalise complex scenarios and respond to searching and challenging questions. The students will be required to demonstrate their ability to produce and present a given topic that utilises a 14 P age
The ability to interact confidently with colleagues and Personal Success) (30 standard presentation tool such as PowerPoint The student will be assessed in their ability to utilise the advanced features available within a presentation package (such as PowerPoint) such that any features used enhance the overall presentation rather than to impair it. Alternatively, the students will be able to demonstrate their ability to present a suitable topic without the use of a presentation package. The student will be assessed on their Project ability to select an appropriate mode of presentation and to use it effectively to present large and / or complex concepts effectively. Students that opt to follow the sandwich version of this award will, as part of their placement, have an opportunity to develop and demonstrate their abilities when communicating with work colleagues. Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 Embedded Software (15 The students will be assessed by use of an assessment that requires team work which will include effective interaction with other students in order to complete and submit a worthy piece of work. The students will be introduced to and assessed on their use of intermediate team working techniques such as per review and the use of a defined team structure and management techniques. The students will be assessed on their ability to work on a complex assignment 15 P age
and Interface and Distributed Computing Techniques (30 Independence of thought Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 Project (45 Skills of teamworking where it is essential that they cooperate with each other in order to achieve a valued result. They will be required to include advanced team management techniques. Within the module s assessment, the students will be required to consider a common issue within computing and to offer an outline solution. Within this module that students will be required to consider a contemporary issue within the field of computing and be assessed on their ability to produce a critical evaluation. As part of their individual project, the students will be assessed on their ability to consider a large and complex problem and then to produce a solution. They will also be assessed on their ability to produce a reflective critical analysis that has been produced independently of other students. Students opting to follow the sandwich route will have an opportunity to experience and develop this attribute whilst employed during their placement year. Level 4 The students will be assessed on their The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, ability to produce a solution to a team Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career based assessment. and Personal Success) (30 The students will, within the module s assessment, demonstrate their abilities to understand the dynamics associated with team working and techniques available to 16 P age
Ability to carry out inquiry-based learning and critical analysis Skills of problem solving and creation of opportunities Embedded Software (15 and Interface and Distributed Computing Techniques (30 Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 Project (45 Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 assist its management. The assessments will require that the students are able to utilise the dynamics of team working when producing and presenting complex concepts with critical reflection that lead to recommendations. This module will include a requirement that the students reports should conclude with a section that critically reviews the development process that they have used to produce the required artefact. The students will be required to demonstrate use of enquiry based learning to review and present given topics. As part of their chosen project, the students will be required to demonstrate their ability to the discovery and use of complex analysis, modelling and development tools / environments in order to complete their project. They will also be required to produce a critical reflection of their use. The students will be required to demonstrate their ability to understand a basic problem and to develop an acceptable solution. As part of the overall assessment strategy, the students will be required to demonstrate their ability to accept an intermediate problem and to develop a 17 P age
Technologically, digitally and information literate acceptable solution with an explanation of the technique that they employed. The whole nature of the Final Year Project Project (45 is that the student will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate that they are able to accept a large and complex undertaking and to develop an acceptable solution together with a reflective critical review / evaluation. They will also be required to demonstrate that they are able to identify and verbalise potential opportunities that their solution may offer if it were extended / enhanced / modified. This award is an award within the subject area of computing and thus involves the use of technology and digital systems at an advanced level throughout the award. It thus covers the requirements for technical and digital literacy. The following modules address areas of development of information literacy within the award. Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 Project (45 Within this module the students will be using computer technology in order to successfully complete the module assessments. Within this module the students, in addition to L4, will be utilising the technology and packages for research, presentations etc. The students will be utilising computer technology to execute most of the elements within the project: including 18 P age
Able to apply Staffordshire Graduate attributes to a range of life experiences to facilitate life-long learning Level 4 The Internet of Things - Fundamentals, Industry and Careers (Enhancing Career and Personal Success) (30 Introduction to Developing End-to-End IT Business Solutions (HP ATA) (15 Project (45 research; analysis; modelling; implementation; testing; evaluation and presentations. In order to successfully complete their chosen project, the students will also have to demonstrate an understanding of the potential limitations that the various aspects of computer technology may impose. The module will include personal development planning, where the students should be able to demonstrate use of proactive and reflective practice for personal and professional development within the context of the industry sector as well as for their life-long learning. The students will be expected to apply Staffordshire Graduate attributes by adopting self-evaluations and being able to reflect on their own progress. The module will include assessments where the student will be able to demonstrate their understanding an introduction to the concepts and their ability to utilise basic reflective practises to guide future learning and development. The students will be expected to include a section within the project report and final presentation where they will demonstrate their ability to reflect critically on both their project and there learning experience at University. How they have maximised the potentials offered and how they might 19 P age
continue their studies at a post graduate / professional level. They will also reflect upon their project such that they will be able to verbalise how its potential may be realised should the development continue. Notes: Award Modules Assessment Indicate which module(s) within the award Indicate how achievement of the develop this characteristic characteristic is assessed 20 P age